How Can I Eat Vegan At Panda Express

Love Panda Express?

Do you miss their delicious Orange Chicken while eating vegan?

Want to know which dishes at Panda Express are truly plant-based?

We have the answers!

Craving Panda Express? Discover Their Deliciously Vegan Options!

With over 2,500 locations worldwide, Panda Express has achieved global success. But before Panda Express, there was Panda Inn. In 1973, Andrew Cherng and chef Ming-Tsai Cherng opened Panda Inn in Pasadena, CA with a menu inspired by Mandarin and Sichuan cuisine. A decade later, Andrew Cherng launched the first Panda Express.

The first Panda Express location opened inside the Glendale Galleria, a popular mall located in Glendale, CA. Two years later, in 1985, the second location opened inside the Westside Pavilion, yet another mall food court. And in 1987, the chain developed the now world famous Original Orange Chicken. Since then, Panda Express has moved beyond mall food courts and has opened thousands of locations around the world.

Panda Express has always championed American Chinese cuisine, and its menu has evolved over the years. In 2021, the chain partnered with Beyond Meat to test a vegan orange chicken dubbed "Beyond the Original Orange Chicken." Though initially a limited-time offering, this collaboration proved popular, leading to several reintroductions since then. As of now, plant-based "Beyond the Original Orange Chicken" is once again available on Panda Express's menu (more details below).

Panda Express Expands Vegan Options

Panda Express now has more locations serving its popular vegan dish. The chain's Beyond the Original Orange Chicken is available in 300 new US restaurants as of October 2, 2024.

This expansion comes after customers complained about limited availability when the dish first launched in July. At that time, it was only offered in major cities like Los Angeles and New York. Many states, including Texas and Oregon, had no access to the vegan option.

Panda Express Brings Back Popular Plant-Based Dish

Panda Express has brought back its popular plant-based orange chicken dish for a limited time. The "Beyond the Original Orange Chicken" first appeared in 2021 and was so popular it returned the next year. Now, you can find it at more than 300 Panda Express restaurants across the US.

Rice and noodles

No need to worry about chicken, fish, or beef broth here—Panda Express has a few options when it comes to carbs. Use them as a hearty, satiating base to soak in any lingering sauce that drips from your main dish.

As of 2019, the chow mein is also vegan. The company nixed the chicken broth and animal-based seasonings following a robust campaign by Vegan Outreach.

Unfortunately, the fried rice contains egg. Still, that leaves you with a few solid picks. Your vegan options for rice and noodles are:

• Steamed brown rice
• Chow mein
• Steamed white rice

Vegetables

Panda Express could improve its vegetable choices.

But the one veggie option at all their restaurants is pretty good.

The Super Greens are just steamed broccoli, kale, and cabbage. It's nice to have a healthy green side at a fast-food place.

Eggplant Tofu at Panda Express

Looking for a tasty vegetarian option at Panda Express? You might want to try the Eggplant Tofu! It features browned tofu, eggplant, red bell peppers, and a sweet and spicy sauce. A Panda Express representative confirmed that the sauce doesn't contain any animal products.

Keep in mind, this dish might not be available at all Panda Express locations. It's always a good idea to call ahead and check.

Sauces

Zhush up those Super Greens or a carton of rice with one of the many vegan-friendly sauces.

When you opt for the chili, hot mustard, plum, potsticker, soy, sweet and sour, or teriyaki sauce, you’re in the clear.

As you can see, Panda Express has options that won’t leave you feeling hungry, but it could still stand to add a little more variety to its vegan menu. But, with the demand for plant-based food, we can’t wait to see what else the chain has in store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Panda Express have vegan options?

Yes! Panda Express has some delicious vegan choices. They recently expanded their plant-based Beyond the Original Orange Chicken to even more locations after customers asked for it.

What are some of the vegan options at Panda Express?

Panda Express offers several vegan-friendly dishes. The Beyond the Original Orange Chicken is a popular choice. They also have steamed brown rice, chow mein, and steamed white rice. You can also get Super Greens, which include broccoli, kale, and cabbage. At some locations, you'll find Eggplant Tofu with tofu, eggplant, bell peppers, and a flavorful sauce. Many sauces, like chili, hot mustard, plum, potsticker, soy, sweet and sour, and teriyaki, are also vegan.

What if I can’t find the Beyond the Original Orange Chicken at my local Panda Express?

If you're craving the Beyond the Original Orange Chicken but can't find it, don't worry! Call your nearest store to see if they have it or when it might be back. You can also enjoy other vegan options like Eggplant Tofu, Super Greens, steamed rice, or chow mein. Ask for extra sauces to make your meal even tastier!

Conclusion

Panda Express is a great option for vegans!

They have delicious plant-based meals like Beyond the Original Orange Chicken, Eggplant Tofu, and vegan sauces. While some people might want even more choices, these options are a good start. Panda Express knows that many people want plant-based food, so they're adding more to their menu all the time. We can't wait to see what new vegan dishes they come up with next!